Published: Tuesday, December 25, 2012 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 24, 2012 at 6:14 p.m.

A couple of dynamic, game-changing plays against Tennessee and Bowling Green earlier this year are his only lasting impressions as his final game as a Gator approaches. He willingly points out that he hasn't piled up many stats or broken any records.

But Hammond doesn't say those things with his head down. That's because Hammond had the luxury of playing alongside several other UF receivers with similar resumes who nonetheless made a career for themselves in the NFL.

“A guy like Deonte (Thompson), when he was here, his stats weren't 1,000 yards receiving and a whole bunch of catches, but he went about things the right way, and when the opportunities came he took advantage of them,” said Hammond, who graduated with a degree in telecommunication this fall. “When he got to the next level, he just made the best of it and he made an NFL roster, so it's just all about staying positive. You do everything right and in return, you'll get paid back. That's how I look at it, and I just keep working and hope for the best.”

Thompson (Baltimore Ravens), Louis Murphy (Oakland Raiders), Riley Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles) and David Nelson (Buffalo Bills) are other unheralded Gator receivers during Hammond's time who have found a place in the pros.

Offensive coordinator Brent Pease points out Hammond is coachable, a quality he shares with that group that gives him a chance to follow in their footsteps.

“Frankie's a solid kid, works hard, smart, he understands things, and I respect the work he's put in,” said Pease, who also praised Hammond's leadership as the lone senior receiver. “I respect the opportunity that he's taken advantage of in playing this year and making some big plays for us. You can use him as a kid that you can put out there, coach him up once, and he's going to understand how you want it done.”

Hammond's season hasn't gone as planned, and the same can be said about the rest of the receivers. However, Pease and quarterback Jeff Driskel see extra motivation during bowl practices from the unit before it faces the Big East's top pass defense in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.

Fresh off of what they accomplished against the nation's top defense, Hammond and the rest of the much-maligned receiving corps have found some confidence.

“We just executed,” Hammond said. “At the end of the day, guys made plays when they arrived and took advantage of the opportunities, whereas before, we probably didn't take the opportunity and they'd come through with the plays. But FSU we were locked in and we executed.”

<p>Despite a five-year career at Florida, Frankie Hammond Jr.'s highlight reel isn't long.</p><p>A couple of dynamic, game-changing plays against Tennessee and Bowling Green earlier this year are his only lasting impressions as his final game as a Gator approaches. He willingly points out that he hasn't piled up many stats or broken any records.</p><p>But Hammond doesn't say those things with his head down. That's because Hammond had the luxury of playing alongside several other UF receivers with similar resumes who nonetheless made a career for themselves in the NFL.</p><p>“A guy like Deonte (Thompson), when he was here, his stats weren't 1,000 yards receiving and a whole bunch of catches, but he went about things the right way, and when the opportunities came he took advantage of them,” said Hammond, who graduated with a degree in telecommunication this fall. “When he got to the next level, he just made the best of it and he made an NFL roster, so it's just all about staying positive. You do everything right and in return, you'll get paid back. That's how I look at it, and I just keep working and hope for the best.”</p><p>Thompson (Baltimore Ravens), Louis Murphy (Oakland Raiders), Riley Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles) and David Nelson (Buffalo Bills) are other unheralded Gator receivers during Hammond's time who have found a place in the pros.</p><p>Offensive coordinator Brent Pease points out Hammond is coachable, a quality he shares with that group that gives him a chance to follow in their footsteps.</p><p>“Frankie's a solid kid, works hard, smart, he understands things, and I respect the work he's put in,” said Pease, who also praised Hammond's leadership as the lone senior receiver. “I respect the opportunity that he's taken advantage of in playing this year and making some big plays for us. You can use him as a kid that you can put out there, coach him up once, and he's going to understand how you want it done.”</p><p>Hammond's season hasn't gone as planned, and the same can be said about the rest of the receivers. However, Pease and quarterback Jeff Driskel see extra motivation during bowl practices from the unit before it faces the Big East's top pass defense in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.</p><p>Fresh off of what they accomplished against the nation's top defense, Hammond and the rest of the much-maligned receiving corps have found some confidence.</p><p>“We just executed,” Hammond said. “At the end of the day, guys made plays when they arrived and took advantage of the opportunities, whereas before, we probably didn't take the opportunity and they'd come through with the plays. But FSU we were locked in and we executed.”</p>